- 1. Green or yellow phlegm
- 2. Phlegm with blood or red
- 3. White or gray catarrh
- 4. Brown or black phlegm
- 5. Pink phlegm
- What can indicate the phlegm consistency
When the phlegm shows some color or is very thick it can be a sign of allergy, sinusitis, pneumonia, some other infection in the respiratory tract or even cancer.
Therefore, when the phlegm is not a transparent and almost liquid secretion, it may be important to consult a pulmonologist to start the treatment as soon as possible, avoiding the worsening of the problem, especially when dealing with bedridden people, young children or the elderly.
1. Green or yellow phlegm
These colors normally appear when neutrophils are present in the airways, which are the body's defense cells that produce a green protein that is dissolved in the phlegm, the color of which varies according to the amount of the protein. Thus, this type of phlegm may indicate an infection of the respiratory tract or sinuses, such as pharyngitis or pneumonia, for example.
See what other signs may indicate a lung infection.
What to do: A pulmonologist or general practitioner should be consulted to identify the type of infection that is causing the phlegm and to start treatment with the appropriate antibiotic.
2. Phlegm with blood or red
When there is little blood in the phlegm it is usually a sign of bronchitis, however, when there is a lot of blood in the phlegm it can indicate more serious problems such as tuberculosis, pneumonia or lung cancer. Understand when it can be bronchitis.
What to do: It is necessary to consult a pulmonologist to perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and microbiological culture from sputum, to identify the problem and initiate the appropriate treatment, which is usually done with the use of bronchodilators, in the case of bronchitis, or antibiotics in the case of tuberculosis, and treatment should be carried out as directed by the doctor.
3. White or gray catarrh
This type of phlegm is usually a sign of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, but it can also appear during flu or sinusitis, when the sinuses become very full and start to drain into the throat.
In rarer cases, this coloration can also occur when eating many dairy products, since milk derivatives make the phlegm thicker, showing a whitish color when it is eliminated.
What to do: You should drink about 2 liters of water a day to help eliminate the phlegm and, if there are no improvements, you should consult a general practitioner to start the appropriate treatment of the problem that is causing the phlegm.
In the case of influenza, for example, treatment is usually done with the aim of relieving symptoms, with the doctor recommending the use of Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, for example. Sinusitis can also be treated in this way, but the use of corticosteroids or antibiotics may also be recommended by the doctor depending on the cause of the sinusitis.
4. Brown or black phlegm
Smokers and workers in places with a lot of pollution, such as mines or bricklayers, usually have brown or black phlegm, which happens due to the presence of particles such as tar or resin that stick to the airways. In addition, brown phlegm can also arise due to the ingestion of some foods, such as chocolate, coffee or red wine, for example.
What to do: It is recommended to avoid places with a lot of dust or pollution, as well as to stop smoking, if this is the case.
5. Pink phlegm
Pink phlegm cough is usually an indicator that there is fluid in the lungs and is therefore very common in cases of heart problems, such as heart failure, in which blood accumulates around the lungs, causing fluid to enter the lungs. lungs.
What to do: In this case it is important to consult a pulmonologist or general cardiologist to adjust the treatment of the problem that is causing pink phlegm, which can be done with the ingestion of diuretic remedies, such as Furosemide, in the case of heart problems.
What can indicate the phlegm consistency
Normal, healthy phlegm usually has a more liquid consistency, so it is easily reabsorbed by the body and does not make breathing difficult. However, the phlegm can get thicker, especially due to situations like:
- Being in a very dry environment, such as in an air-conditioned room; Not drinking enough water during the day; Having a respiratory allergy to pollen or dust, for example; Taking medications that can dry out secretions, such as antidepressants, antihistamines or decongestants.
In addition, the phlegm also thickens during colds or flu, for example, but any other infection can also have this result. This is because the body has more work to eliminate viruses and bacteria and therefore needs more water to function, leaving the phlegm drier.
Thus, to eliminate thick phlegm, it is very important to drink about 2 liters of water a day and nebulize with water or saline solution, as it helps to fluidize secretions and facilitate their elimination. In addition, there are some home remedies with expectorant properties that help in eliminating phlegm, find out which ones at Home Remedies to Eliminate Expectoration.
